Chapter 61
Translator: penny
Chapter: 61
Chapter Title: The Staggering Great Detective Line (5)
Shiratori Makoto thought he had been perfect.
In every way, Makoto on his first day as a transfer student had been flawless. He'd earned popularity among the kids with his dazzling special moves, and by sheer luck, he'd run into some with similar hobbies, letting him slip right into their group. Plenty of kids wanted to befriend Makoto anyway—he was smart, good-looking, and tall.
Makoto had blended into the class so effortlessly.
"Makoto. So, how was your first day at school?"
While Makoto focused on his infiltration, the mom agent and dad agent hadn't been slacking off either. To support his smooth school life, they had to maintain their cover jobs, write reports for the Metropolitan Police Special Division, and regularly check their mechanical equipment.
On top of that, they managed the agents staking out the Iwamoto family and the surveillance cameras, all while acting normal around the neighbors to avoid suspicion.
Even now, as he asked Makoto the question, the dad agent was busily typing away on his laptop. Makoto glanced indifferently at the agent's back and replied.
"Eh, perfect. Not bad at all. Kids are kids, after all. I just show off a few of my killer moves, and they go wild. Lately, I've been practicing this lightning-entry bit—should I demo it for you sometime?"
"Really? That's great. So, did you talk to that Serika girl? Iwamoto Serika. What'd you think? Anything suspicious?"
Makoto frowned at the dad agent's question.
It wasn't that the question itself bothered him. It was Iwamoto Serika herself—her very existence rattled him. That look she'd given him while staring. What the hell did it mean? After seeing his prized special move, she still made that snide face—what was her deal?
Makoto was confident he could read people easily. The ones around him were simple: either jealous of him or idolizing him. Black and white.
But where did Serika fit? The more he thought about it, the more his head hurt. Amid the confusion, Makoto could only say one thing.
"...Dunno. She's a weird girl. Her face is weird, and I can't figure out what she's thinking."
The male agent chuckled at that. It sounded like typical elementary school kid angst. Makoto would insist his worries had more depth, more maturity, but to an adult, kids' troubles all boiled down to the same thing.
"I see. Well, it's tough getting close to someone whose vibe doesn't match yours. Still, hang in there a bit. We need you to buddy up with that Serika for the mission to go smoothly. Right. Does she like Pew-Pew Man, by any chance?"
Makoto tilted his head at that. He recalled her chatting with friends about Pew-Pew Man. From her tone, she didn't seem to love it, but she didn't hate it either.
"Kinda meh, I guess. Not a fan, but not against it."
"Oh? That's workable. Hey, did you hear Pew-Pew Man's doing a stage show in Minato Ward?"
"For real?"
Makoto jolted upright with a shout. Half-rising from the sofa, his face lit up—until he saw the agent smirking. He cleared his throat and plopped back down.
"...N-No, it's not like I'm excited or anything. Just, uh, that kinda info's useful for the investigation. That's why I'm hyped. Opportunities like this make it easy to rally the kids. I don't like kiddie shows like Pew-Pew Man. The costume's dumb, and the lines are so cheesy."
"Sure, sure. Got it. You're just pretending to like it, right?"
The male agent nodded, chuckling at Makoto's words. He'd been the same as a kid—watching girls' anime at home with a magic wand toy, but acting like it was lame outside.
All pride, really. The agent found Makoto's reaction nostalgic, like looking at his younger self.
"So, what's that got to do with anything?"
Makoto changed the subject, wary of more teasing. The agent rummaged in his bag and said.
"Well, one of my old high school buddies works at an event company handling the Pew-Pew Man invite. He hooked me up with tickets for the family—four of 'em."
"Whoa..."
As the agent pulled out the tickets, Makoto's eyes sparkled with awe. But moments later, he shook his head, coughed, and ran a hand through his hair.
"...Hmph, well, not that interested, but whatever. If I don't go, the tickets go to waste, and it'll help win over the kids for the op later. Four tickets is perfect."
Four was just right. Too many would be weird; inviting just her alone would be suspicious. Invite a few friends, slip her the last one—perfect.
Makoto grinned, lips curling up.
Of course, it had nothing to do with meeting Pew-Pew Man in person.
He was just thrilled the mission was progressing smoothly.
"Pew-Pew Man. You're doing that event in Minato Ward, right? Why squeeze in a pointless gig like that when you're so busy? You're not some one-hit wonder chasing gigs."
"I told you not to call me Pew-Pew Man. Use my name. I've got a cool one: Kitano Sanma. And I'm not going for the money this time. It's personal—killing two birds with one stone. Otherwise, no way I'd make time for Minato Ward."
"Whoa, what could be so important?"
"You wouldn't get it even if I told you."
"Dude, acting all high and mighty. Just 'cause you popped off in that video. You really think you're Pew-Pew Man or something?"
"Why wouldn't I be?"
Pew-Pew Man—Kitano Sanma—shaped his fingers into a gun. He aimed at a PET bottle on the break room desk and lightly shouted.
"Pew!"
With a crisp pop!, the bottle crumpled and ricocheted off the mirror. The mirror shook briefly, and the bottle rolled across the floor after bouncing off it.
Kitano Sanma adjusted his cowboy hat and said.
"It's a drama based on my ability. Of course I'm Pew-Pew Man."
The manager smirked incredulously at Sanma's words.
"Tells me not to call him Pew-Pew Man, then claims he is Pew-Pew Man. You live a complicated life."
"The name's lame. Pew-Pew Man? I pushed for Western Gunslinger."
"Fine, fine, you're the star. Rehearsal starts in ten. Rest up. I'll be out front for a bit."
"Yeah, sure."
Once the manager left, Kitano Sanma sprawled on the sofa, lips pursed. His sharp, angular face—maybe mixed heritage?—long curly hair, thick brows, smooth jawline, and brooding eyes. Armed with a striking look and top-notch acting, Sanma had been a reliable supporting actor and extra in dramas and films.
Then, two years ago, he'd nailed a villain role in a drama, gaining fame. Riding the momentum, he'd snagged the lead in Pew-Pew Man.
Sanma picked up the bottle from the floor, tossed it in the trash, and scanned the room. Confirming no one at the door, he made a call.
"Yes, planning to drop by HQ after a while. New recruit, huh? And... What? Shinsuke's dead? Who's that? No reason for me to memorize grunts from my spot."
Kitano Sanma.
He'd started as an actor at a small agency, dreaming of showbiz since childhood. He'd hustled through event MCs, theater roles—every gig imaginable—finally climbing to a lead role.
Unlike his flashy TV persona, he was dedicated to his craft and known for his strong sense of justice.
But he harbored a secret.
"Iwamoto Serika, huh. I think I heard of Iwamoto Industry back when I visited once... Guess I'll check out the facility and see her face. As a senior, time to show her how brutal this industry is."
He was also a member of the Prophets.
One of the characters from the original story, too.
In the original, he'd already skyrocketed to national treasure actor status.